Yes, astigmatism can become more severe suddenly. This is due to a change in the curvature of the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. Astigmatism is typically caused by an irregular shape of the cornea, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, trauma, or certain medical conditions. Astigmatism can also be caused by changes in the natural aging process.
Sudden changes in the shape of the cornea can cause astigmatism to become more severe. This is due to the fact that astigmatism is an optical condition that is determined by the curvature of the cornea. When the cornea’s curvature changes, it can cause light to be focused incorrectly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
In some cases, astigmatism can become more severe suddenly due to eye surgery or an eye injury. Eye surgery such as LASIK, which corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness, can sometimes cause astigmatism to become more severe. If the surgery results in a change in the shape of the cornea, it can lead to an increase in astigmatism. Similarly, an eye injury or trauma can cause the cornea to become misshapen, resulting in an increase in astigmatism.
It is important to note that sudden changes in the severity of astigmatism can also be caused by certain medical conditions. For example, certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause changes in the curvature of the cornea that can lead to an increase in astigmatism.
Regardless of the cause, sudden increases in astigmatism should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. An ophthalmologist can diagnose the cause of the change and can provide the appropriate treatment to help manage the condition. Treatment for astigmatism may include corrective lenses, eyeglasses, or contact lenses, as well as vision therapy. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the shape of the cornea.